Only 16 days until final paperwork must be turned in to the city clerk’s office for those who intend to run for Oakley City Council. The official deadline is Aug. 8. Some may be confused though, because if one of the current council members decides not to run for re-election, the filing date will be extended to Aug. 13.

Oakley City Clerk Nancy Ortenblad said some people would wait to turn in their papers until Aug. 8 because they want to see who else is running before they decide if they want to make an attempt. Just because a current City Council member or some other popular person in Oakley is running, doesn’t mean someone else shouldn’t try as well.

Sure it costs money to run and times are tough right now, but there are other alternatives. Those running for local councils are allowed to raise money for their bids for office just like anyone else. A local business owner or even some neighbors might be interested in helping elect a candidate.

A good campaign doesn’t necessarily mean a lot of money. People want to know who their representatives will be. Just going out and spending a mint on campaign signs is not going to get someone elected if people have never seen the person’s face or name before. That does not mean, however, that a person who isn’t out in the public now can’t win the race in November. It just means that the candidate must get out and be visible.

How does one do that? The old-fashioned way. Going out and knocking on doors, for one thing. In the old days, door knocking was the only way candidates got elected. That way still works in small towns like Oakley.

Distributing fliers with information about oneself, including what one intends to do when elected, is also a good way to help a campaign drive.

Another way to get elected is to know the issues that are important to the city’s residents. The people of Oakley are not shy. They will be happy to tell anyone who will listen what their concerns are. All a potential candidate has to do is to go out and ask.

When it all comes down to it, the candidate who wins the race in November is going to be representing the people. Those who understand the local residents’ concerns and work to find solutions are going to be recognized by the public. For the most part the only thing voters want is an understanding representative who will adhere to their wishes. That is not always an easy job and not everyone will be pleased with the representative’s efforts.

Many times it takes a great deal of research and an understanding of city politics to do the job that needs to be done. It may also require a candidate to decide whether his views are in sync with the majority of the community or whether it is necessary to reconsider those views to make the right choices for everyone. Candidates have to have an open mind.

Remember, as with all things in life, honesty is the best policy. If promises aren’t kept, one’s time in office may be very difficult.

Still haven’t decided to run? Take the time to pick up the paperwork anyway at the City Clerk’s office in the next couple of days. Check out the information in advance. It can’t hurt.

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